With its imposing presence and shaggy coat, it is a remarkable survivor from the Ice Age, uniquely adapted to thrive in the Arctic tundra’s harsh climate. Known scientifically as Ovibos moschatus, which means “musky sheep-ox,” the muskox gets its name from the strong musky odor emitted by males during the mating season to attract females. This robust animal is found in the Arctic regions of North America and Greenland and has also been successfully reintroduced to parts of Scandinavia and Russia.

One of the muskox’s most distinctive features is its thick, woolly coat, which is crucial for insulation against the bitter Arctic cold. The outer layer consists of long, coarse guard hairs that shed snow and ice, while the underlayer, known as qiviut, is made of fine, incredibly warm wool. Qiviut is highly prized for its softness and warmth, being lighter than sheep’s wool and warmer than cashmere, and is used to make garments that can withstand severe cold.

The social structure of muskoxen revolves around their herd behavior, which is a key survival strategy in the predator-rich Arctic environment. Herds are generally small, typically consisting of around 20 animals, and are led by a dominant female. The herd operates with remarkable unity, especially when threatened. If attacked by wolves or bears, muskoxen form a defensive circle or line, with calves protected in the middle and the adults presenting a formidable front of sharp horns to potential predators.

Muskoxen are primarily grazers, subsisting on a diet of Arctic grasses, mosses, and lichens. During the winter, they use their strong hooves to dig through the snow to reach these plants, demonstrating their ability to adapt their feeding habits to the seasonal availability of resources.

Distribution

Country

Population est.

Status

Year

Comments

Canada

2020

Greenland

2020

Norway

2020

Introduced

Russia

2020

Reintroduced

Sweden

2020

Introduced

United States

2020

Reintroduced: Alaska